Gene content evolution on the X chromosome.
Compared with autosomes, the X chromosome shows different patterns of evolution as a result of its hemizygosity in males. Additionally, inactivation of the X during spermatogenesis can make the X chromosome an unfavorable location for male-specific genes. These factors can help to explain why in many species gene content of the X chromosome differs from that of autosomes. Indeed, the X chromosome in mouse is enriched for male-specific genes while they are depleted on the X in Drosophila but show neither of these trends in mosquito. Here, we will discuss recent findings on the ancestral and neo-X chromosomes in Drosophila that support sexual antagonism as a force shaping gene content evolution of sex chromosomes and suggest that selection could be driving male-biased genes off the X.
Gurbich
Tatiana A
TA
Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. tgurbich@ucsd.edu
Bachtrog
Doris
D
D000818:Animals; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005796:Genes / Q000235:genetics*; D040582:Inheritance Patterns / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013045:Species Specificity; D014960:X Chromosome / Q000235:genetics*